HR: 09:00h
AN: ED51C-05    [Abstracts]
TI: The Earth Exploration Toolbook: Scaffolding Access and Use of Earth Science Data to Promote Effective Inquiry Investigations by Students
AU: * Ledley, T S
EM: Tamara_Ledley@terc.edu
AF: TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02492, United States
AU: Dahlman, L
EM: LuAnn_Dahlman@terc.edu
AF: TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02492, United States
AU: McAuliffe, C
EM: Carla_McAuliffe@terc.edu
AF: TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02492, United States
AU: Haddad, N
EM: Nick_Haddad@terc.edu
AF: TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02492, United States
AB: The Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET, http://serc.carleton.edu/eet) is an online collection of computer-based Earth science activities. Each activity, or chapter, introduces one or more data sets and an analysis tool that enables users to explore some aspect of the Earth system. Series of step-by-step instructions show users how to 1) access the data and analysis tool and install it if necessary, 2) examine, visualize, and interpret the data, and 3) conduct a data-based investigation using the data and analysis tool. Step-by-step instructions walk users through valid scientific inquiries of the data to produce a map, graph, or other data product. The implicit goal of each chapter though, is to build the skills and confidence of teachers and students to enable them to learn and teach with data. When educators become familiar enough with data and analysis tools, they can adapt the use of data to match their curriculum and their students" abilities. This enables educators to promote a greater use of inquiry into students learning of scientific concepts. EET chapters are rich launching points for inquiry. Embedded open-ended questions ask users to consider various aspects of the data. These questions can begin the process of guided inquiry. The "Going Further" section of each EET chapter provides ideas for independent investigations, using another dataset or employing the same analysis strategy with a different analysis tool. At least one chapter inspired an award-winning high school science fair project. In this session we will examine the components of EET chapters that promote inquiry, describe the use of EET chapters in our teacher professional development programs, and give examples of how these programs have impacted participating teachers" use of data, analysis tools, and inquiry in their teaching.
UR: http://serc.carleton.edu/eet
DE: 0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
DE: 0830 Teacher training
DE: 0845 Instructional tools
DE: 0850 Geoscience education research
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting